Midas Blenny 

Also known as Golden Blenny, Lyretail Fang Blenny

The Midas Blenny is a spectacular and highly sought-after species displaying brilliant golden-yellow coloration and an elegant lyretail fin. This peaceful and active blenny is unique among its family for spending most of its time swimming in open water rather than perching on rocks.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Ecsenius midas
• Common Names: Midas Blenny, Golden Blenny, Lyretail Blenny
• Adult Size: Up to 5 inches
• Lifespan: 4-6 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful and social; often mimics anthias behavior
• Reef Compatibility: Completely reef safe; will not harm corals or invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum; 50+ gallons preferred
• Experience Level: Beginner to moderate; hardy and adaptable

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide live rock with caves for retreat but emphasize open swimming space. Unlike typical blennies, this species swims actively in the water column. Often schools with anthias or other yellow fish if available.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.020-1.025
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Tolerant of typical reef conditions
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Standard filtration system
  • Protein skimmer
  • Moderate to strong water circulation These maintain healthy conditions for this active species.

Diet & Feeding

Midas Blennies are omnivores with mixed dietary requirements. Recommended foods include:

• Staples: High-quality marine pellets, spirulina flakes, herbivore pellets
• Frozen Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, cyclops, finely chopped seafood
• Plant Matter: Nori seaweed, marine algae sheets, spirulina
• Natural Grazing: Film algae and microalgae from live rock
• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily
• Special Note: Requires balanced diet of both meaty foods and vegetable matter

Notes & Considerations

• Unusual among blennies for its open-water swimming behavior; spends little time perched on rocks.
• Often mimics the behavior and coloration of Lyretail Anthias, swimming alongside them for protection.
• Brilliant golden-yellow coloration makes it a stunning visual addition to reef aquariums.
• Very peaceful temperament; compatible with virtually all community fish.
• Less territorial than most other blennies; can sometimes be kept in pairs in larger tanks.
• A secure aquarium lid is essential; excellent jumpers.
• More active and visible than typical bottom-dwelling blennies.
• May school with yellow tangs, anthias, or other similarly colored fish.
• Generally hardy once acclimated but may be shy initially without dither fish.
• Color may fade slightly if the diet lacks variety or carotenoids.

Why Choose a Quarantined Midas Blenny?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, better-acclimated fish. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and conditioned to accept prepared foods before sale, giving you a stronger chance of long-term success with this spectacular and active species.